Approach Book

UPSC CSE Prelims

GEOGRAPHY
Key Features
Topic-Wise Breakdown for Targeted Preparation
Previous Year Questions with Answers
⁠Focus on High-Yield, High-Impact Topics
⁠Most Probable Themes for Prelims
⁠Precision Approach for Maximum Result
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PRELIMS APPROACH PAPERS

GEOGRAPHY

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How to Use the “Approach Book-UPSC CSE Prelims” to Maximize Your
Prelims Success
The UPSC Civil Services Prelims is as much about smart strategy as it is about hard work. This Approach Book has been
designed not just as a question bank, but as a strategic companion to help you crack Prelims with precision and confidence.
Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Begin with the Topic-Wise Breakdown

Start by identifying the topics that UPSC frequently tests. The book gives you a topic-wise classification of PYQs, allowing
you to see patterns across subjects. This helps in:

• Prioritising important areas

• Recognizing how questions are framed from each topic

Tip: Align your study schedule with this breakdown – spend more time on topics with high question frequency.

2. Practice with Purpose Using Answer Keys

Use the book as a self-assessment tool. Attempt each question first without looking at the answer. Then, refer to the key
provided to check your accuracy. This practice builds your instinct for eliminating options and improves your decision-
making under pressure.

Tip: Mark questions you get wrong or are unsure about, and revisit them during your revision to strengthen weak areas.

3. Focus on High-Yield, High-Impact Topics

The book marks out high-yield topics – those that UPSC tends to revisit repeatedly. Strengthen your concepts and facts in
these areas, as they offer maximum return on your time investment.

Tip: These are the areas where 1 mark can make the difference between success and failure.

4. Identify and Track Most Probable Themes

Based on trend analysis, the book highlights the most probable themes for this year’s Prelims. Use these to fine-tune your
revision strategy and stay ahead of the curve.

Tip: Combine this with current affairs for a more integrated prep approach.

5. Apply the Precision Approach for Maximum Results

This book is designed around the concept of precision – doing the right things, the right way, at the right time. Use it to:

• Trim unnecessary content

• Focus on what's actually asked
• Improve accuracy under pressure

Tip: Regularly take mock tests and correlate your performance with the PYQs in this book.

In a high-stakes exam like the UPSC Prelims, it’s not just about how much you study – it’s about how strategically
you study. This Approach Book is your map to navigate the Prelims maze, with clarity and confidence.

To Get your Soft Copy contact: Officers IAS Academy, Delhi,

+91 73055 62226 / +91 78458 10226

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Contents
UPSC Previous Year Question Analysis ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 4
World Geography ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
1. Topic: The Solar System, Origin and Evolution of Earth -------------------------------------------------- 5
2. Topic: Interiors of Earth ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
3. Topic: Distribution of Ocean and Continents---------------------------------------------------------------- 12
4. Topic: Minerals and Rocks --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
5. Topic: Geomorphic Process -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
6. Topic: Landforms and their Evolution ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 19
7. Topic: Water (Oceans)--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
8. Topic: Movement of Ocean Water ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 24
9. Topic: Climatology-1: Composition and Structure of Atmosphere, Solar Radiation, Heat Balance
and Temperature --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26
10. Topic: Climatology-2: Atmospheric Circulation and Weather systems, Water in the Atmosphere
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
11. Topic: World Climate-1 (Equitorial, Subtropical, Tropical) --------------------------------------------- 35
12. Topic: World Climate-2 (Temperate, Subpolar, Polar) --------------------------------------------------- 37
13. Topic: Map Based Questions (North America, South America,Europe) ------------------------------ 39
14. Topic: Map Based Questions (Asia,Africa,Oceania)-------------------------------------------------------- 43
UPSC Previous year question analysis ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 48
Indian Geography --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48
15. Topic: India - Location--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50
16. Topic: Structure and Physiography ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52
17. Topic: India - Drainage System---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57
18. Topic: Climate of India -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 62
19. Topic: Indian Soils -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 64
20. Topic: Natural Vegetation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 67
21. Topic: Map Based Questions - 1 (Location, Physiography, Vegetation and Drainage) ----------- 71
22. Topic: Map Based Questions - 2 (Infrastructure and People) ------------------------------------------ 75
23. Topic: Population: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition ---------------------------------- 78
24. Topic: Migration Types, causes and Consequences and Human Development -------------------- 81
25. Topic: Human Settlement and Disaster Management ---------------------------------------------------- 83
26. Topic: Land Resources and Agriculture and Water Resources ----------------------------------------- 85
27. Topic: Mineral and Energy Resources ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 93

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28. Topic: Manufacturing Industries, Transport & Communication, International Trade ---------- 97
29. Topic: Planning and Sustainable development in Indian context ----------------------------------- 102
Topic: Miscellaneous ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 104

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World Geography

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012
The Solar System, Origin
1 - 1 - - 1 1 1 - 1 1 2 2
and Evolution of Earth

Interiors of Earth 1 1 - - - - 1 - - - - - -

Distribution of Ocean and

- 1 - - - - - - - - 1 2 -
Continents

Mineral and Rocks - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Geomorphic Process 1 - - - - - - - - - - - -

Landforms and their

- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Evolution

Water (Oceans) 1 - - 1 1 - - 1 - - - 1 -

Movement of Ocean Water - - - - - - - - - 2 - 1 1

Climatology-1 4 2 1 - - - - - - - - 1 2

Climatology-2 1 1 - - 1 1 - - - 2 1 1 -

World Climate-1 - - - - - - - - - 1 1 1 1

World Climate-2 1 - - - - - - - - - - 1 -

Map Based Questions

(North America, South 3 1 - - 1 - 1 - - - 2 - -
America,Europe)

Map Based Questions

3 1 2 - - 1 2 2 - 2 2 1 -
(Asia,Africa,Oceania)

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(TOPIC - 1)
Subject: Geography

Topic: The Solar System, Origin and Evolution of Earth

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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The Solar System, Origin
1 - 1 - - 1 1 1 - 1 1 2 2
and Evolution of Earth

Overview of the Topic

 The Solar System:

o Planets and their properties
o Asteroids and Planetary objects
 Origin of Earth
o Early theories
 Nebular Hypothesis – Immanuel Kant and Laplace
 Binary Theories
 Revised Nebular Hypothesis
 Origin of Universe
o Big Bang Theory
 Stages of Development:
 Star Formation
 Planet formation

 Evolution of the Earth

 Evolution of Lithosphere, Atmosphere and Hydrosphere
 Origin of Life

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more
than 12 hours? (2024)
1. Equator
2. Tropic of Cancer
3. Tropic of Capricorn
4. Arctic Circle

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Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4

2. In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the: (2022)
(a) First half of the month of June
(b) Second half of the month of June
(c) First half of the month of July
(d) Second half of the month of July

3. On 21st June, the Sun (2019)

(a) Does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
(b) Does not set below the Horizon at Antarctic Circle
(c) Shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
(d) Shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

4. Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. The Earth’s magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years
2. When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54%
oxygen and no carbon dioxide
3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth.
Which of the above given statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

5. The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’ ‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes
seen in the news in the context of (2017)
(a) Observation and understanding of the Universe
(b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses
(c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth
(d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth.

6. The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of (2015)
(a) the limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth
(b) region inside the Earth where shale gas is available
(c) search for the Earth-like planets in outer space
(d) search for meteorites containing precious metals

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7. Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms?
(2014)
1. Continental drift
2. Glacial cycles
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

8. Variations in the length of daytime and night time from season to season are due to (2013)
(a) the earth’s rotation on its axis
(b) the earth’s revolution round the sun in an elliptical manner
(c) latitudinal position of the place
(d) revolution of the earth on a tilted axis

9. Consider the following: (2013)

1. Electromagnetic Radiation
2. Geothermal Energy
3. Gravitational Force
4. Plate movements
5. Rotation of the Earth
6. Revolution of the Earth
Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the
Earth?
(a) 1. 2, 3 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

10. Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life
on the Earth? (2012)
(a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium
(b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen
(c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorous
(d) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium

11. A person stood alone in a desert on a dark night and wanted to reach his village which was
situated 5km east of the point where he was standing .He had no instruments to find the
direction but he located the polestar, the most convenient way now to reach his village is to
walk in the (2012)
(a) direction facing the polestar
(b) direction opposite to the polestar
(c) direction keeping the polestar to his left
(d) direction keeping the polestar to his right
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High yielding topics

 Origin of Earth
 Origin of Universe
o Big Bang Theory
 Stages of Development:
 Star Formation
 Planet formation
 Evolution of the Earth
 Evolution of Lithosphere, Atmosphere and Hydrosphere
 Origin of Life

Probable Topic

 Theories associated with origin and Evolution of Earth

 Missions related to celestial bodies

ANSWER KEY

Q. No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Answer D B A C A C C D D B C

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(TOPIC - 2)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Interiors of Earth

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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Interiors of Earth 1 1 - - - - 1 - - - - - -

Overview of the Topic

 Interior of Earth
o Exogenic and Endogenic Processes
 Sources of Information about the Interior
o Direct sources
o Indirect sources
 Earthquakes
o Concept of earthquakes
 Earthquake waves
 Types of Earthquake waves
 Propagation of earthquake waves
 Emergence of shadow zone
 Types of earthquakes
 Effects of earthquakes
 Measuring earthquake and Frequency of earthquake occurrence

 Structure of the Earth

o The Crust
o The Mantle
o The Core
 Volcanoes and Volcanic landforms
o Volcanoes, Shield Volcanoes, Composite Volcanoes, Caldera, Flood basalt provinces,
Mid-oceanic ridges
 Volcanic landforms
o Intrusive forms - Batholiths, Lacoliths, Lapoliths, Phacoliths and Sills
o Extrusive forms - Dykes

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UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following (2024)

1. Pyroclastic debris
2. Ash and dust
3. Nitrogen compounds
4. Sulphur compounds
How many of the above are products of volcanic eruptions?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

2. Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves.
2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave
propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to
the direction of wave propagation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

3. Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian territory.
2. Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
3. The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained
inactive since then.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3

High yielding topics

 Earthquakes
o Earthquake waves and Propagation of earthquake waves
 Volcanoes and Volcanic Landforms
 Prominent Volcanic sites and their characteristics
 Plate tectonics

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Probable Topics

 Earthquake
o Emergence of shadow zone
o Types of earthquakes
o Effects of earthquakes
o Measuring earthquake and Frequency of earthquake occurrence
 Volcanoes and Volcanic landforms
o Volcanoes, Shield Volcanoes, Composite Volcanoes, Caldera, Flood basalt provinces,
Mid-oceanic ridge, Intrusive forms ,Batholiths, Lacoliths, Lapoliths, Phacoliths and
Sills ,Dykes
 Rocks, Weathering

ANSWER KEY

Q. No 1 2 3

Answer D C A

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(TOPIC - 3)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Distribution of Ocean and Continents

UPSC Previous year question analysis

2018
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Distribution of Ocean and
- 1 - - - - - - - - 1 2 -
Continents

Overview of the Topic

 Distribution of Oceans and Continents:

o Continental Drift
 Evidence in support of Continental Drift
 Matching of continents
 Rocks of same age across the ocean's
 Tillite
 Placer Deposits
 Distribution of fossils
 Forces for Drifting
 Post Drift studies
 Convectional current theory
 Mapping of the ocean floor
 Concept of Seafloor spreading
 Ocean floor configuration
o Continental margins, Abyssal plain, Mid-Oceanic ridges
 Distribution of Earthquakes and Volcanoes
 Plate Tectonics
o Plate boundaries
 Divergent boundaries
 Convergent boundaries
 Transform boundaries
o Force for the plate movement
o Movement of the Indian plate

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UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS:

1. Consider the following statements: (2023)

Statement-I : The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater
during summer than in winter.
Statement-II : The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct
explanation for Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct
explanation for Statement-I.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

2. Which of the following phenomena might have influenced the evolution of organisms?
(2014)
1. Continental Drift
2. Glacial Cycles
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

3. The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to
coastal areas. What is / are the reason / reasons? (2013)
1. Thermal difference between land and water
2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans
3. Presence of strong winds in the interior
4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

4. Consider the following: (2013)

1. Electromagnetic Radiation
2. Geothermal Energy
3. Gravitational Force
4. Plate movements
5. Rotation of the Earth
6. Revolution of the Earth
Which of the above are responsible for dynamic changes on the surface of the Earth?
(a) 1. 2, 3 and 4 only
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(b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

High yielding topics

 Continental Drift
o Evidence in support of Continental Drift
 Post Drift studies
o Convectional current theory
o Mapping of the ocean floor
o Concept of Seafloor spreading
 Annual range of temperature between continents and ocean
 Plate Tectonics
o Force for the plate movement

Probable Topics

 Continental Drift
o Forces for Drifting
 Ocean floor configuration
o Continental margins, Abyssal plain, Mid-Oceanic ridges
 Distribution of Earthquakes and Volcanoes
 Concept of Seafloor spreading
 Plate Tectonics
o Plate boundaries
 Divergent boundaries
 Convergent boundaries
 Transform boundaries

ANSWER KEY

QUESTION 1 2 3 4

ANSWER D C A D

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(TOPIC - 4)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Minerals and Rocks

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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Mineral and Rocks - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Overview of the Topic

 Some major minerals and their characteristics

o Feldspar, Quartz, Pyroxene, Amphibole, Mica, Olivine
 Metallic minerals
 Non metallic minerals
 Rocks
o Igneous rocks
 Classification of igneous rocks
o Sedimentary rocks
 Classification depending upon the mode of formation
 Mechanically Formed
 Chemically Formed
 Organically Formed
o Metamorphic rocks
 Types of Metamorphism
 Contact metamorphism and regional Metamorphism
 Rock - cycle

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

NIL

High yielding topics

NIL

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Probable Topics

 Some major minerals and their characteristics

o Feldspar, Quartz, Pyroxene, Amphibole, Mica, Olivine
 Rocks
o Igneous rocks
 Classification of igneous rocks
o Sedimentary rocks
 Classification depending upon the mode of formation
 Mechanically Formed
 Chemically Formed
 Organically Formed
o Metamorphic rocks
 Types of Metamorphism
 Contact metamorphism and regional Metamorphism
 Rock - cycle

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(TOPIC-5)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Geomorphic Process

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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Geomorphic Process 1 - - - - - - - - - - - -

Overview of the topic

 Endogenic Process
o Diastrophism
o Volcanism
 Exogenic Process
o Weathering
 Chemical Weathering
 Physical Weathering
 Biological Activity/Weathering
 Effects of weathering
 Significance of Weathering
o Mass movements
 Slow movements
 Rapid movements
 Landslides
o Erosion and deposition
 Soil Formation
o Soil and Soil contents
o Process of Soil formation
o Factors of Soil formation

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UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following statements: (2024)

Statement-I : Rainfall is one of the reasons for weathering of rocks.
Statement-II : Rain water contains carbon dioxide in solution.
Statement-III : Rain water contains atmospheric oxygen.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct and both of them explain Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-II and Statement-III are correct, but only one of them explains
Statement-I.
(c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement-I.
(d) Neither Statement-II nor Statement-III is correct.

High Yielding Topics

 Exogenic Process
o Weathering
 Chemical Weathering

Probable Topics

 Exogenic Process
o Mass movements
 Slow movements
 Rapid movements
 Landslides
o Erosion and deposition
 Soil Formation
o Soil and Soil contents
o Process of Soil formation
o Factors of Soil formation

Answer Key

Q. No 1

Answer A

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(TOPIC-6)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Landforms and their Evolution

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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Landforms and their
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Evolution

Overview of the topic

 Landforms
o Factors responsible for changes in landforms
 Landforms made by running water (Fluvial Landforms)
o Youth stage
o Mature stage
o Old stage
o Erosional landforms (Valleys, Potholes and Plunge Pools, Incised or Entrenched
meanders, River Terraces, etc)
o Depositional landforms (Alluvial fans, Deltas, Floodplains, Natural Levees and
Point Bars)
o Meanders
o Braided Channels

 Landforms made by groundwater (Karst landforms)

o Erosional Landforms (Pools, Sinkholes, Lappies, Limestone Pavements, Caves, etc)
o Depositional Landforms (Stalactites, Stalagmites, Pillars, etc)
 Landforms made by Glaciers (Glacial landforms)
o Erosional Landforms (Cirque, Horns, Serrated Ridges, Glacial Valleys/Troughs, etc)
o Depositional Landforms (Moraines, Eskers, Outwash Plains, Drumlins, etc)
 Landforms made by Waves
o At High Rocky Coasts (Fjords, Wave-cut platforms, Sea caves, Barrier bars etc.)
o At Low Sedimentary Coasts (Lagoons, Tidal creeks, Spits, etc.)
o Erosional Landforms (Cliffs, Terraces, Caves, Stacks, etc)

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o Depositional Landforms (Beaches, Dunes, Bars, Barriers, Spits, etc)
 Landforms made by Winds (Aeolian Landforms)
o Erosional Landforms (Pediments, Pediplains, Playas, Deflation Hollows, Caves,
Mushroom table, Pedestal Rocks, etc)
o Depositional Landforms (Sand Dunes, Barchans, etc)
 Significance of landforms

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

NIL

High Yielding topics

NIL

Probable Topics

 Landforms made by running water (Fluvial Landforms)

o Youth stage
o Mature stage
o Old stage
o Erosional landforms (Valleys, Potholes and Plunge Pools, Incised or Entrenched
meanders, River Terraces, etc)
o Depositional landforms (Alluvial fans, Deltas, Floodplains, Natural Levees and
Point Bars)
o Meanders
o Braided Channels

 Landforms made by Glaciers (Glacial landforms)

o Erosional Landforms (Cirque, Horns, Serrated Ridges, Glacial Valleys/Troughs, etc)
o Depositional Landforms (Moraines, Eskers, Outwash Plains, Drumlins, etc)

 Concept of erosion, transportation and deposition

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(TOPIC-7)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Water (Oceans)

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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Water (Oceans) 1 - - 1 1 - - 1 - - - 1 -

Overview of the topic

 Hydrological Cycle
 Relief of the Ocean Floors
o Divisions of the Ocean Floor
 Continental Shelf
 Continental Slope
 Deep Sea plains
 Oceanic Deeps or Trenches
o Minor Relief Features
 Mid Oceanic Ridges
 Seamount
 Submarine Canyons
 Guyots

 Temperature of the Ocean Waters

o Factors affecting the temperature distribution
o Horizontal and Vertical Distribution of temperature
 Salinity of Ocean Waters
o Horizontal and Vertical Distribution of Salinity

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following statements: (2024)

1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form.
2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
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(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2. Consider the following statements: (2021)

1. In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans are warmer than the eastern
sections, owing to the influence of trade winds.
2. In the temperate zone, westerlies make the eastern sections of oceans warmer than
the western sections.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

3. With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT) which of the following statements is/are
correct? (2020)
1. OMT is measured up to depth of 26℃ isotherm which is 129 metres in the south-
western Indian ocean during January-March
2. OMT collected during January-March can be used in assessing whether the amount
of rainfall in the monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

4. With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’. sometimes mentioned in the news while
forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2017)
1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature
between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino’s impact on the monsoon.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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5. On the planet earth, most of the freshwater exists as ice caps and glaciers. Out of the
remaining freshwater, the largest proportion (2013)
(a) is found in atmosphere as moisture and clouds
(b) is found in freshwater lakes and rivers
(c) exists as groundwater
(d) exists as soil moisture

High Yielding Topics

 Hydrological Cycle
 Temperature of the Ocean Waters
o Horizontal and Vertical Distribution of temperature

Probable Topics

 Relief of the Ocean Floors

o Divisions of the Ocean Floor
 Continental Shelf
 Continental Slope
 Deep Sea plains
 Oceanic Deeps or Trenches
 Salinity of Ocean Waters
o Horizontal and Vertical Distribution of Salinity
 Pollution related to ocean, sea level rise, IPCC report

Answer Key

Q. No 1 2 3 4 5

Answer C C B B C

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(TOPIC - 8)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Movement of Ocean Water

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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Movement of Ocean Water - - - - - - - - - 2 - 1 1

Overview of the topic

 Waves
o Characteristics of waves
 Tides
o Types of Tides
 Tides based on frequency – Semi-diurnal, diurnal and mixed
 Tides based on the Sun, Moon and the Earth positions – Spring, Neap, ebb and
flow tides.
o Importance of Tides
 Ocean Currents
o Characteristics of ocean currents
o Types of Ocean Currents
 Surface currents and Deep water currents
 Cold currents and Warm currents
o Major Ocean Currents
o Effects of Ocean Currents

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current? (2015)

(a) The Earth’s rotation on its axis
(b) Convergence of the two equatorial currents
(c) Difference in salinity of water
(d) Occurrence of the belt of calm near the equator
2. Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following? (2015)
1. Gravitational force of the Sun
2. Gravitational force of the Moon
3. Centrifugal force of the Earth
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
3. The most important fishing grounds of the world are found in the regions where: (2013)
(a) warm and cold atmospheric currents meet
(b) rivers drain out large amounts of freshwater into the sea
(c) warm and cold oceans currents meet
(d) continental shelf is undulating
4. Consider the following factors: (2012)
1. Rotation of the Earth
2. Air pressure and wind
3. Density of ocean water
4. Revolution of the Earth
Which of the above factors influence the ocean currents?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4

High Yielding Topics

 Factors affecting tides

 Factors affecting Ocean Currents
 Significance of Ocean Currents
 Major Ocean Currents

Probable Topics

 Types of Tides
o Tides based on frequency – Semi-diurnal, diurnal and mixed
o Tides based on the Sun, Moon and the Earth positions – Spring, Neap, ebb and flow
tides.
 Ocean Currents
o Characteristics of ocean currents
o Types of Ocean Currents
 Cold currents and Warm currents
 Impacts of ocean currents

Answer Key

Q. No 1 2 3 4

Answer B D C C

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(TOPIC-9)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Climatology-1: Composition and Structure of Atmosphere,

Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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Climatology-1 4 2 1 - - - - - - - - 1 2

Overview of the topic

Composition and Structure of Atmosphere

 Composition of the Atmosphere
o Gases
o Water vapour
o Dust particles
 Structure of the Atmosphere
o Troposphere
o Stratosphere
o Mesosphere
o Ionosphere
Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature
 Solar Radiation
o Variability of Insolation at the Surface of the Earth
 Passage of Solar Radiation through the Atmosphere
 Spatial Distribution of Insolation at the Earth’s Surface
 Heating and Cooling of Atmosphere
o Conduction, Convection and Advection
o Terrestrial Radiation
o Heat Budget of the Planet Earth
 Variation in the Net Heat Budget at the Earth’s Surface
 Temperature
o Factors controlling Temperature Distribution
o Distribution of Temperature
 Inversion of Temperature

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UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following statements: (2024)

Statement-I : The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by
terrestrial radiation.
Statement-II : Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere are good
absorbers of long wave radiation.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-
I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct. but Statement-II does not explain
Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

2. Consider the following statements: (2024)

Statement-I : Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared
to poles.
Statement-II : At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong
convectional currents.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-
I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain
Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

3. Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the
month of January? (2024)
1. The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the
continent.
2. The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the
North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

4. With reference to “water vapor”, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2024)
1. It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with altitude.
2. Its percentage is maximum at the poles.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
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(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

5. With reference to the Earth's atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?
(2023)
(a) The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times that
received at the poles.
(b) Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.
(c) Infrared waves are largely absorbed by water vapor that is concentrated in the lower
atmosphere.
(d) Infrared waves are a part of the visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar
radiation.
6. Consider the following statements: (2023)
Statement-I : The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater
during summer than in winter.
Statement-II : The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct
explanation for Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct
explanation for Statement-I.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
7. Consider the following statements: (2022)
1. High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the earth.
2. Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the earth’s
surface and thus cause a warming effect.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

8. The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to
coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons? (2013)
1. Thermal difference between land and water
2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans
3. Presence of strong winds in the interior
4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
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9. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the
atmosphere, because it absorbs (2012)
(a) the water vapor of the air and retains its heat
(b) the UV part of the solar radiation
(c) all the solar radiations
(d) the infrared part of the solar radiation

10. Normally the temperature decreases with the increase in height from the earth’s surface,
because (2012)
1. the atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the Earth’s surface
2. there is more moisture in the upper atmosphere
3. the air is less dense in the upper atmosphere
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

High Yielding Topics

Composition and Structure of Atmosphere

 Composition of the Atmosphere
o Gases
o Water vapour
o Dust particles
 Structure of the Atmosphere
o Troposphere
o Stratosphere
o Mesosphere
o Ionosphere
Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature
 Solar Radiation
o Variability of Insolation at the Surface of the Earth
 Passage of Solar Radiation through the Atmosphere
 Spatial Distribution of Insolation at the Earth’s Surface
 Heating and Cooling of Atmosphere
o Conduction, Convection and Advection
o Terrestrial Radiation
o Heat Budget of the Planet Earth
 Variation in the Net Heat Budget at the Earth’s Surface
 Temperature
o Factors controlling Temperature Distribution
o Distribution of Temperature

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Probable Topics

Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature

 Inversion of Temperature

Answer Key

Q. No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Answer D A A A C D D A D C

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(TOPIC-10)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Climatology-2: Atmospheric Circulation and Weather

systems, Water in the Atmosphere

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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Climatology-2 1 1 - - 1 1 - - - 2 1 1 -

Overview of the topic

Atmospheric Circulation and Weather systems

 Atmospheric Pressure
o Vertical Variation of Pressure
o Horizontal Distribution of Pressure
o World Distribution of Sea Level Pressure
o Forces Affecting the Velocity and Direction of Wind
 Pressure Gradient Force
 Frictional Force
 Coriolis Force
 Pressure and Wind
 General circulation of the atmosphere
o Seasonal Winds, Local Winds, Land and Sea Breezes, Mountain and Valley Winds, Air
Masses and Fronts
o Extra Tropical Cyclones
o Tropical Cyclones
o Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
Water in the Atmosphere
 Evaporation and Condensation
o Dew
o Frost
o Fog and Mist
o Clouds: Cirrus, Cumulus, Stratus, Nimbus
 Precipitation
o Types of Rainfall: Convectional, orographic and cyclonic
 World Distribution of Rainfall

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UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. With reference to “Coriolis force”, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(2024)
1. It increases with increase in wind velocity.
2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2. The term “Levant,” often heard in the news, roughly corresponds to which of the following
regions? (2023)
(a) Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores
(b) Region along North African shores stretching from Egypt to Morocco
(c) Region along the Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa
(d) The entire coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea

3. Consider the following statements: (2020)

1. Jets streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the
surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only

4. Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night? (2019)

(a) Clouds absorb the radiation released from the Earth’s surface.
(b) Clouds reflect back the Earth’s radiation.
(c) The Earth’s surface would have low temperatures on cloudy nights.
(d) Clouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.

5. In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclones does
not originate. What is the reason? (2015)
(a) Sea surface temperatures are low
(b) Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs
(c) Coriolis force is too weak
(d) Absence of land in those regions

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6. Consider the following statements: (2015)
1. The winds which blow between 30° N and 60° S latitudes through-out the year are
known as westerlies.
2. The moist air masses that cause winter rains in North-Western region of India are
part of westerlies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

7. The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of (2014)

(a) Equatorial climate
(b) Mediterranean climate
(c) Monsoon climate
(d) All of the above climates

8. During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the (2013)

1. meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky
2. lightning that separates the nimbus clouds
3. violent upward movement of air and water particles
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None of the above produces the thunder

High Yielding Topics

Atmospheric Circulation and Weather systems

 Forces Affecting the Velocity and Direction of Wind
o Pressure Gradient Force
o Frictional Force
o Coriolis Force
o Pressure and Wind
 General circulation of the atmosphere
o Seasonal Winds
o Local Winds
o Tropical Cyclones
Water in the Atmosphere
 Evaporation and Condensation
o Dew
o Clouds: Cirrus, Cumulus, Stratus, Nimbus

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Probable Topics

Atmospheric Circulation and Weather systems

 Vertical Variation of Pressure
 Horizontal Distribution of Pressure
 General circulation of the atmosphere
o Extra Tropical Cyclones
o Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
o Cyclone names and track
Water in the Atmosphere
 Precipitation
o Types of Rainfall: Convectional, orographic and cyclonic
 World Distribution of Rainfall

Answer Key

Q. No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Answer C A C B B B C D

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(TOPIC-11)
Subject: Geography

Topic: World Climate-1 (Equitorial, Subtropical, Tropical)

2024UPSC Previous year question analysis
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World Climate-1 - - - - - - - - - 1 1 1 1

Overview of the topic

 Koppen’s Scheme of Classification of Climate

 Equatorial Climate
o Tropical Wet Climate
 Tropical Climate
o Tropical Monsoon Climate
o Tropical Wet and Dry (Savannah Type)
o Tropical Desert (Hot Desert)
 Subtropical Climate
o Humid Subtropical Climate (China Type)
o Subtropical Desert Climate (Cold Desert)
o Mediterranean Climate

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. "Each day is more or less the same, the morning is clear and bright with a sea breeze; as the
Sun climbs high in the sky, heat mounts up, dark clouds form, then rain comes with thunder
and lightning. But the rain is soon over."
Which of the following regions is described in the above passage? (2015)
(a) Savannah
(b) Equatorial
(c) Monsoon
(d) Mediterranean
2. The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of (2014)
(a) Equatorial climate
(b) Mediterranean climate
(c) Monsoon climate
(d) All of the above climates

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3. Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/characteristics of equatorial forests?
(2013)
1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy
2. Coexistence of a large number of species
3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

4. Which one of the following is the characteristic climate of the Tropical Savannah Region?
(2012)
(a) Rainfall throughout the year
(b) Rainfall in winter only
(c) An extremely short dry season
(d) A definite dry and wet season

High Yielding Topics

 Equatorial Climate
o Tropical Wet Climate
 Tropical Climate
o Tropical Monsoon Climate
o Tropical Wet and Dry (Savannah Type)

Probable Topics

 Koppen’s Scheme of Classification of Climate

 Subtropical Climate
o Mediterranean Climate
 Tropical Climate
o Tropical Desert (Hot Desert)
 West European climate

Answer Key

Q. No 1 2 3 4

Answer B C D B

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(TOPIC-12)
Subject: Geography

Topic: World Climate-2 (Temperate, Subpolar, Polar)

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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World Climate-2 1 - - - - - - - - - - 1 -

Overview of the topic

 Temperate Climate
o Cold Climate with Dry Winters (Manchurian type)
o Steppe Type of Climate
o Marine West Coast Climate (British type)
 Subpolar Climate (Taiga Type)
 Polar Climate
o Tundra
o Frosted/Icecaps

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following description: (2024)

1. Annual and daily range of temperatures is low.
2. Precipitation occurs throughout the year.
3. Precipitation varies between 50cm - 250cm.
What is this type of climate?
(a) Equatorial climate
(b) China type climate
(c) Humid subtropical climate
(d) Marine West coast climate
2. “Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders.”
The above statement best describes which of the following regions? (2013)
(a) African Savannah
(b) Central Asian Steppe
(c) North American Prairie
(d) Siberian Tundra
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High Yielding Topics

 Temperate Climate
o Steppe Type of Climate
o Marine West Coast Climate (British type)

Probable Topics

 Subpolar Climate (Taiga Type), Issues due to climate change

 Polar Climate
o Tundra

Answer Key

Q. No 1 2

Answer D B

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(TOPIC - 13)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Map Based Questions (North America, South America,

Europe)

UPSC Previous year question analysis

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012
Map Based Questions
(North America, South 3 1 - - 1 - 1 - - - 2 - -
America,Europe)

Overview of the Topic

 North America:
o Rivers: Mackenzie, St. Lawrence, Mississippi etc.
o Great Lake system: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario
o Mountain ranges: Appalachian Mountains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra
Nevada
o Places in news
o Important fishing grounds: Great banks etc.
o Important islands: Long island etc.
 South America
o Rivers: Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraguay/Paraná etc.
o Mountain ranges: Andes etc.
o Places in news
o Important surrounding seas
o Important islands: Galapagos etc.
o Important straits: Strait of Magellan etc.
 Europe
o Rivers: Rhine, Danube etc.
o Mountain ranges: Black forest, Alps etc.
o Places in news
o Important seas: North Sea, Baltic sea etc
o Important channels and straits: English Channel etc.

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UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following information: (2024)

Name of the mountain

Sl. No. Region Type of mountain
range
1. Central Asia Vosges Fold mountain
2. Europe Alps Block mountain
3. North America Appalachians Fold mountain
4. South America Andes Fold mountain

In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

2. Consider the following countries: (2024)

1. Finland
2. Germany
3. Norway
4. Russia
How many of the above countries have a border with the North Sea?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
3. The longest border between any two countries in the world is between: (2024)
(a) Canada and the United States of America
(b) Chile and Argentina
(c) China and India
(d) Kazakhstan and Russian Federation
4. Consider the following countries: (2023)
1. Bulgaria
2. Czech Republic
3. Hungary
4. Latvia
5. Lithuania
6. Romania
How many of the above-mentioned countries share a land border with Ukraine?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) Only five

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5. Consider the following pairs: (2020)
Sl. No. River Flows into
1. Mekong Andaman Sea
2. Thames Irish Sea
3. Volga Caspian Sea
4. Zambezi Indian Ocean
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 4 only

6. Consider the following pairs : (2018)

Regions sometimes
Sl. No. Country
mentioned in news
1. Catalonia Spain
2. Crimea Hungary
3. Mindanao Philippines
4. Oromia Nigeria

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched ?

(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 4 only

7. Turkey is located between: (2014)

(a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea
(b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
(c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea
(d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea

8. Consider the following pairs : (2014)

Sl. No. Region often in news Country

1. Chechnya Russian Federation
2. Darfur Mali
3. Swat Valley Iraq

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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HIGH YIELDING TOPIC

 North America:
o Rivers: Mackenzie, St. Lawrence, Mississippi etc.
o Mountain ranges: Appalachian Mountains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Sierra
Nevada
o Places in news
 South America
o Rivers: Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraguay/Paraná etc.
o Mountain ranges: Andes etc.
o Places in news
o Important straits: Strait of Magellan etc.
 Europe
o Rivers: Rhine, Danube etc.
o Places in news
o Important seas: North Sea, Baltic sea etc.

PROBABLE TOPIC

 North America:
o Important islands: Long island etc.
 South America
o Important surrounding seas
o Important islands: Galapagos etc.
 Europe
o Mountain ranges: Black forest, Alps etc.
o Important channels and straits: English Channel etc.
 Resources and Industries
 Population

ANSWER KEY

QUES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

ANS B B A A C C B A

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(TOPIC - 14)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Map Based Questions (Asia, Africa, Oceania)

UPSC Previous year question analysis

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012
Map Based Questions
3 1 2 - - 1 2 2 - 2 2 1 -
(Asia, Africa, Oceania)

Overview of the Topic

 Asia:
o Places in news such as Straits, Capital cities of countries affected by terrorism
o Seas and their bordering countries, Islands associated with countries, Rivers flowing
through countries etc.
 Oceania:
o Location of islands, coral reefs, atolls, prominent cities in Australia.
o Water bodies such as seas, lakes affected by pollution or climate change such as those
in Antarctica.
 Africa
o Wildlife sanctuaries or national parks associated with wildlife such as rhinos,
elephants, cheetah and lions such as Kruger National Park.
o Important landforms such as spread of Sahara Desert into countries, countries that
River Nile Passes through and Lake Victoria and its constituent lakes etc.
o Tribes associated with countries, farming practices associated with countries.
o Animal rearing practices associated with countries
o Places in news associated with terrorism and violence.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following statements: (2024)

Statement-I : Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas
shipments to Europe.
Statement-II : Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-
I

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(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain
Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

2. Which of the following countries are well known as the two largest cocoa producers in the
world? (2024)
(a) Algeria and Morocco
(b) Botswana and Namibia
(c) Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana
(d) Madagascar and Mozambique

3. Consider the following statements: (2024)

1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form.
2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

4. Which one of the following is part of the Congo Basin? (2023)

(a) Cameroon
(b) Nigeria
(c) South Sudan
(d) Uganda

5. The term “Levant,” often heard in the news, roughly corresponds to which of the following
regions? (2022)
(a) Region along the eastern Mediterranean shores
(b) Region along North African shores stretching from Egypt to Morocco
(c) Region along the Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa
(d) The entire coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea

6. Consider the following countries: (2022)

1. Azerbaijan
2. Kyrgyzstan
3. Tajikistan
4. Turkmenistan
5. Uzbekistan
Which of the above have borders with Afghanistan? (2022)
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
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7. Consider the following pairs (2019)

Sl. No. Sea Bordering Country

1. Adriatic Sea Albania
2. Black Sea Croatia
3. Caspian Sea Kazakhstan
4. Mediterranean Sea Morocco
5. Red Sea Syria

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

8. Consider the following pairs (2018)

Sl. No. Towns sometimes mentioned in News Country

1. Aleppo Syria
2. Kirkuk Yemen
3. Mosul Palestine
4. Mazar-i-Sharif Afghanistan

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 and 4 only

9. Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to
human activities? (2018)
1. Aral Sea
2. Black Sea
3. Lake Baikal
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 2 only
(d) I and 3

10. Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries? (2017)

1. Jordan
2. Iraq
3. Lebanon

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4. Syria
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

11. Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar? (2017)

(a) Sumatra
(b) Borneo
(c) Java
(d) Sri Lanka

12. The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the
events related to (2015)
(a) Central Asia
(b) Middle East
(c) South-East Asia
(d) Central Africa

13. Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the
Mediterranean Sea? (2015)
(a) Syria
(b) Jordan
(c) Lebanon
(d) Israel

14. Turkey is located between (2014)

(a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea
(b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
(c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea
(d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea

15. What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in South-East Asia as one
proceeds from south to north? (2014)
1. Bangkok
2. Hanoi
3. Jakarta
4. Singapore

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 4-2-1-3
(b) 3-2-4-1
(c) 3-4-1-2
(d) 4-3-2-1
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16. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? (2013)

Sl. No. Geographical Feature Region

(a) Abyssinian Plateau Arabia
(b) Atlas Mountains North-Western Africa
(c) Guiana Highlands South-Western Africa
(d) Okavango Basin Patagonia

HIGH YIELDING TOPIC

 Countries surrounding Mediterranean Sea

 Places in news affected by terrorism
 Physiographical regions in news.

PROBABLE TOPIC

 Islands in Asia such as those in South China Sea and Indian Ocean.
 National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries associated with keystone species of Africa.
 Water Bodies affected by climate change in Oceania and Australia.
 All places related to all current affairs

ANSWER KEY

QUES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

ANS A C C A A C B B A C A B B B C B

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Indian Geography

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012
India - Location - - - - - - 1 2 - 1 - - -

Structure and
- 1 1 - 1 - - 3 - - 4 1 2
Physiography

Drainage System 1 - 1 2 - 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1

Climate of India - - - - - - - - - - 1 - 1

Indian Soils - 1 1 - 1 - - - 1 1 -

Natural
- 1 - - - - - - 1 3 - 2 1
Vegetation

Map Based
Questions - 1
(Location,
- - - - 1 2 - - 1 1 2 - -
Physiography,
Vegetation and
Drainage)

Map Based
Questions - 2
- 1 - - - 1 - - 2 - 2 1 -
(Infrastructure
and People)

Population 1 - - - - - - - - - - 1 1

Migration Types,
Causes and
Consequences - - - - - 1 1 - - - - - -
and Human
Development

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Human
Settlement and
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Disaster
Management

Land Resources
and Agriculture
1 1 3 3 7 2 1 - 1 - 1 2 3
and Water
Resources

Mineral and
Energy - 2 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 1 - 1 1
Resources

Manufacturing
Industries,
Transport &
- 3 - - - - - - 1 1 2 3 1
Communication,
International
Trade

Planning and
Sustainable
development in - - - - - - - - 1 2 - - -
Indian context

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(TOPIC - 15)
Subject: Geography

Topic: India - Location

UPSC Previous year question analysis

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012
India - Location - - - - - - 1 2 - 1 - - -

Overview of the Topic

 India - Location
o Latitudinal and Longitudinal Extent
o Extreme points such as Northernmost point, Southernmost point, Easternmost and
Westernmost point.
o States passing through Tropic of Cancer, 82.5 Longitude (India Standard Meridian)
o Cities close to Tropic of Cancer
o Prominent latitudes associated with water bodies such as 8 degree Channel, 9 degree
channel,
 Size:
o Area wise and Population Wise
o Comparison between different states based on area and population.
 Neighbours
o Both land and Maritime neighbours
o States bordering neighbours.
o Rivers passing between neighbours.
o Prominent hydroelectric projects built across rivers passing through India and its
neighbours.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Among the following cities, which one lies on a longitude closest to that of Delhi? (2018)
(a) Bengaluru
(b) Hyderabad
(c) Nagpur
(d) Pune

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2. If you travel by road from Kohima to Kottayam, what is the minimum number of States
within India through which you can travel, including the origin and the destination?
(2017)
(a) 6
(b) 7
(c) 8
(d) 9

3. Which of the following is geographically closest to Great Nicobar? (2017)

(a) Sumatra
(b) Borneo
(c) Java
(d) Sri Lanka

4. Which one of the following pairs of States of India indicates the easternmost and
westernmost State? (2015)
(a) Assam and Rajasthan
(b) Arunachal Pradesh and Rajasthan
(c) Assam and Gujarat
(d) Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat

HIGH YIELDING TOPIC

 Longitudinal extent of India and longitudes associated with prominent cities

 Extreme points of India
 Awareness of States in India.

PROBABLE TOPIC

 Comparing different states based on demographics and crops associated etc.

 States bordering neighboring countries.
 Rivers passing between India and neighboring countries.
 International border of India

ANSWER KEY

QUESTION 1 2 3 4

ANSWER A B A D

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(TOPIC - 16)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Structure and Physiography

UPSC Previous year question analysis

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012
Structure and
- 1 1 - 1 - - 3 - - 4 1 2
Physiography

Overview of the Topic

 Geographical divisions of India

o The Peninsular Block
 Features
 Extent
o The Himalayan and other Peninsula Mountains
 Landforms associated with these mountains such as waterfalls, valleys etc
o The Indo Ganga Brahmaputra Plain
 Features
 Physiographical divisions of India
 The Northern and North - Eastern mountains
o Kashmir or North Western Himalayas
o Himachal and Uttarakhand Himalayas
o Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas
o Arunachal Himalayas
o Eastern hills and Mountains
 The Northern plains
o Divisions such as Bhabar, Tarai, Bhangar and Khadar.
 The Peninsular plateau
o Divisions such as Deccan Plateau, the Central highlands, North Eastern Plateau.
 The Indian Desert
o Features
 The Coastal plains
o Divisions such as Eastern Coastal Plains and Western Coastal Plains and their
associated features.
 The Islands:

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o Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS:

1. Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. Amarkantak Hills are at the confluence of Vindhya and Sahyadri Ranges
2. Biligirirangan Hills constitute the easternmost part of Satpura Range
3. Seshachalam Hills constitute the southernmost part of Western Ghats
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

2. Consider the following pairs: (2022)

Sl. No. Peak Mountains
1. Namcha Barwa Garhwal Himalaya
2. Nanda Devi Kumaon Himalaya
3. Nokrek Sikkim Himalaya
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only

3. Siachen Glacier is situated to the (2020)

(a) East of Aksai chin
(b) East of Leh
(c) North of Gilgit
(d) North of Nubra Valley
4. From the ecological point of view, which one of the following assumes importance in being
a good link between the Eastern Ghats and the Western Ghats? (2017)
(a) Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(b) Nallamala Forest
(c) Nagarhole National Park
(d) Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve

5. At one of the places in India, if you stand on the seashore and watch the sea, you will find
that the sea water recedes from the shoreline a few kilometres and comes back to the shore,
twice a day, and you can actually walk on the sea floor when the water recedes. This unique
phenomenon is seen at (2017)
(a) Bhavnagar
(b) Bheemunipatnam
(c) Chandipur
(d) Nagapattinam
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6. If you travel by road from Kohima to Kottayam, what is the minimum number of States
within India through which you can travel, including the origin and the destination?(2017)
(a) 6
(b) 7
(c) 8
(d) 9

7. Consider the following pairs: (2014)

Sl. No. Hills Region
1. Cardamom Hills Coromandel Coast
2. Kaimur Hills Konkan Coast
3. Mahadeo Hills Central India
4. Mikir Hills North-East India

Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4
8. Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree
Channel’? (2014)
(a) Andaman and Nicobar
(b) Nicobar and Sumatra
(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep
(d) Sumatra and Java
9. Consider the following pairs (2014)
1. Dampa Tiger Reserve Mizoram
2. Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary Sikkim
3. Saramati Peak Nagaland
Which of the above pairs is /are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
10. Which of the following have coral reefs ? (2014)
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kachchh
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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11. Consider the following pairs: (2013)
1. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve Garo Hills
2. Logtak (Loktak)Lake Barail Range
3. Namdapha National Park Dafla Hills
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None

12. A particular State in India has the following characteristics: (2012)

1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
2. It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.
3. Over 12% of the forest over constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.
Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Assam
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Uttarakhand

13. When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following: (2012)
1. Deep gorges
2. U-turn river courses
3. Parallel mountain ranges
4. Steep gradients causing land-sliding
Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for the Himalayas being young fold
mountains?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

High Yielding Topics

 Geographical divisions of India

o The Peninsular Block
 Features
 Extent
o The Himalayan and other Peninsula Mountains
 Landforms associated with these mountains such as waterfalls, valleys etc
 The Peninsular plateau
o Divisions such as Deccan Plateau, the Central highlands, North Eastern Plateau.
 The Islands:
o Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep Islands.

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Probable Topics

 The Northern and North - Eastern mountains

 Kashmir or North Western Himalayas
 Himachal and Uttarakhand Himalayas
 Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas
 Arunachal Himalayas
 Eastern hills and Mountains
 Peaks, Passes, Glaciers in Himalayas.
 The Northern plains
o Divisions such as Bhabar, Tarai, Bhangar and Khadar.

ANSWER KEY

QUES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

ANS D B D A C B C A C A A A D

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(TOPIC - 17)
Subject: Geography

Topic: India - Drainage System

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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2012
Drainage System 1 - 1 2 - 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1

Overview of the Topic

 India’s Drainage System:

o Concept of catchment area, drainage basin and watershed.
o Division of Indian Drainage Basin
 Arabian Drainage Basin
 Bay of Bengal Drainage Basin
 Drainage Systems of India
o The Himalayan Drainage Basin
 Evolution of Himalayan Drainage
 The River system of the Himalayan Drainage
 The Indus system
 The Ganga system
 The Brahmaputra system
 The Peninsula Drainage system
o The Evolution of Peninsula Drainage system
o River systems of Peninsula Drainage
 The Godavari System
 The Krishna System
 The Kaveri System
 The Narmada System
o Smaller rivers flowing towards the West such as Shetrunji, Bhadra, Bhadhar,
Sabarmati, Mahi etc.
o Small rivers flowing towards the East such as Subarnarekha, Baitarni, Penner
etc.
 Comparison between Himalayan and Peninsular river systems.
 Concept of River Regimes
 Extent of usability of river water

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UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following information: (2024)

Sl. No. Waterfall Region River

1. Dhuandhar Malwa Narmada
2. Hundru Chota Nagpur Subarnarekha
3. Gersoppa Western Ghats Netravati

In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) None

2. Gandikota canyon of South India was created by which one of the following rivers? (2022)
(a) Cauvery
(b) Manjira
(c) Pennar
(d) Tungabhadra

3. With reference to the Indus River system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour
into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which is one such river
that joins the Indus directly? (2021)
(a) Chenab
(b) Jhelum
(c) Ravi
(d) Sutlej

4. Consider the following rivers: (2021)

1. Brahmani
2. Nagavali
3. Subarnarekha
4. Vamsadhara
Which of the above rise from the Eastern Ghats?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 3

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5. Consider the following pairs: (2019)

Glacier River

1. Bandarpunch Yamuna

2. Bara Shigri Chenab

3. Milam Mandakini

4. Siachen Nubra

5. Zemu Manas

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) 2 and 5
(d) 3 and 5

6. With reference to the Himalayan rivers joining the Ganga downstream of Prayagraj from
West to East, which one of the following sequences is correct? (2018)
(a) Ghaghara – Gomati – Gandak – Kosi
(b) Gomati – Ghaghara – Gandak – Kosi
(c) Ghaghara – Gomati – Kosi – Gandak
(d) Gomati – Ghaghara – Kosi – Gandak

7. With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: (2017)

1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through
the Sikkim
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta
3. River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

8. Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken? (2016)

(a) Cauvery and Tungabhadra
(b) Godavari and Krishna
(c) Mahanadi and Sone
(d) Narmada and Tapti

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9. Which of the following is/are tributary/ tributaries of Brahmaputra? (2016)
1. Dibang
2. Kameng
3. Lohit
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

10. Consider the following rivers: (2015)

1. Vamsadhara
2. Indravati
3. Pranahita
4. Pennar
Which of the above are tributaries of Godavari?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only

11. Consider the following rivers: (2014)

1. Barak
2. Lohit
3. Subansiri
Which of the above flows / flow through Arunachal Pradesh?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

12. The Narmada river flows to the west, while most other large peninsular rivers flow to the
east. Why? (2013)
1. It occupies a linear rift valley.
2. It flows between the Vindhyas and the Satpuras.
3. The land slopes to the west from Central India.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None

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13. When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following: (2012)
1. Deep gorges
2. U-turn river courses
3. Parallel mountain ranges
4. steep gradients causing land-sliding
Which of the above can be said to be the evidences for the Himalayas being young fold
mountains?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

High yielding topics

 Drainage Systems of India

o The Himalayan Drainage Basin
 Evolution of Himalayan Drainage
 The River system of the Himalayan Drainage
 The Indus system
 The Ganga system
 The Brahmaputra system
 The Peninsula Drainage system
o The Evolution of Peninsula Drainage system
o River systems of Peninsula Drainage
 The Godavari System
 The Krishna System
 The Kaveri System
 The Narmada System
o Smaller rivers flowing towards the West such as Shetrunji, Bhadra, Bhadhar,
Sabarmati, Mahi etc.
o Small rivers flowing towards the East such as Subarnarekha, Baitarni, Penner
etc.

PROBABLE TOPIC:

 Comparison between Himalayan and Peninsular river systems.

 Concept of River Regimes
 Extent of usability of river water
 River tributaries and projects

Answer Key

QUES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

ANSWER A C D B A B B B D D B A D

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(TOPIC-18)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Climate of India

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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Climate of India - - - - - - - - - - 1 - 1

Overview of the topic

 Unity and Diversity in the Monsoon Climate

 Factors determining the Climate of India: latitude, altitude etc.
 Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
 Mechanism of weather in winter season
 Mechanism of weather in summer season
 The Nature of India Monsoon
o Onset of the Monsoon
o Break in the Monsoon
 The Rhythm of Seasons
o The cold weather season
o The hot weather season
o The southwest monsoon season: Monsoon winds in Arabian Sea, Monsoon winds in
Bay of Bengal etc.
o The retreating monsoon season: N-E monsoon
 EI-Nino and the Indian Monsoon
 Some Famous Local Storms of Hot Weather Season
 Traditional Indian seasons
 Characteristics of monsoon rainfall, rainfall distribution, Variability of rainfall etc.
 Climatic regions of India
 Monsoons and the Economic Life in India

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UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of (2014)

(a) Equatorial climate
(b) Mediterranean climate
(c) Monsoon climate
(d) All of the above climates

2. Consider the following statements: (2012)

1. The duration of the monsoon decreases from southern India to northern India.
2. The amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to
west.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

High Yielding Topics

 The Nature of India Monsoon

o Onset of the Monsoon
o Break in the Monsoon
 The Rhythm of Seasons
o The southwest monsoon season: : Monsoon winds in Arabian Sea, Monsoon winds in
Bay of Bengal etc.
o The retreating monsoon season: N-E monsoon
 Characteristics of monsoon rainfall, rainfall distribution, Variability of rainfall etc.

Probable Topics

 Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

 Mechanism of weather in winter season
 Mechanism of weather in summer season
 EI-Nino and the Indian Monsoon
 Some Famous Local Storms of Hot Weather Season
 Cyclones in Indian Ocean, Track and Landfall
 Indian Ocean Dipole

Answer Key

Q. No 1 2

Key C C

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(TOPIC - 19)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Indian Soils

2024UPSC Previous year question analysis
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Indian Soils - 1 1 - 1 - - - 1 1 -

Overview of the Topic

 Classification of Soils (along with their composition such as nitrogen, potash and humus)
 Alluvial soils
 Black soils
 Red and Yellow soil
 Laterite soil
 Arid soils
 Saline soil
 Peaty soil
 Forest soils
 Soil Degradation
o Factors responsible for Soil degradation – Natural and Manmade
 Soil Erosion
o Types of Soil erosion – Gully, Rill etc
 Soil Conservation
o Measures to control soil erosion such as contour bunding, mixed farming, crop
rotation etc

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

1. Consider the following statements: (2023)

Statement-I : The soil in tropical rain forests is rich in nutrients.
Statement-II : The high temperature and moisture of tropical rain forests cause dead
organic matter in the soil to decompose quickly.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct
explanation for Statement-I.

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(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct
explanation for Statement-I.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

2. The black cotton soil of India has been formed due to the weathering of (2021)
(a) brown forest soil
(b) fissure volcanic rock
(c) granite and schist
(d) shale and limestone

3. With reference to agricultural soils, consider the following statements : (2018)

1. A high content of organic matter in soil drastically reduces its water holding capacity.
2. Soil does not play any role in the sulphur cycle.
3. Irrigation over a period of time can contribute to the salinization of some agricultural
lands.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

4. In India, the problem of soil erosion is associated with which of the following? (2014)
1. Terrace cultivation
2. Deforestation
3. Tropical climate
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

5. Which of the following statements regarding laterite soils of India are correct? (2013)
1. They are generally red in colour.
2. They are rich in nitrogen and potash.
3. They are well-developed in Rajasthan and UP.
4. Tapioca and cashew nuts grow well on these soils.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1 and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only

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High yielding topics

 Classification of Soils (along with their composition such as nitrogen, potash and humus)
 Alluvial soils
 Black soils
 Red and Yellow soil
 Laterite soil
 Forest soils
 Soil Degradation
o Factors responsible for Soil degradation – Natural and Manmade
 Soil Erosion
o Types of Soil erosion – Gully, Rill etc

Probable Topics

 Classification of Soils (along with their composition such as nitrogen, potash and humus)
 Arid soils
 Saline soil
 Peaty soil
 Soil Conservation
o Measures to control soil erosion such as contour bunding, mixed farming, crop
rotation etc
 USDA classification of Soil

ANSWER KEY

QUESTION 1 2 3 4 5

ANSWER D B B B C

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(TOPIC - 20)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Natural Vegetation

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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2012
Natural Vegetation - 1 - - - - - - 1 3 - 2 1

Overview of the Topic

 Classification of forests
o Evergreen forests – wet evergreen, semi evergreen and dry evergreen
o Deciduous forests – moist deciduous, dry deciduous etc.
o Tropical Thorn Forests
o Montane Forests
o Littoral and Swamp Forests.
 Forest cover in India
 States associated with various forest types
 Tree species associated with forest types
 Forest conservation
 Social forestry
 Farm forestry
 Wildlife
 Wildlife Conservation in India
o Biosphere Reserves
 Nilgiri biosphere reserve
 Sunderban biosphere reserve
 Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve
 National Parks
 Wild Life Sanctuaries
 Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Rhino

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS:

1. Consider the following trees: (2023)

1. Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)

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2. Mahua (Madhuca indica)
3. Teak (Tectona grandis)
How many of the above are deciduous trees?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

2. With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following
statements: (2016)
1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.
2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rain forest areas of South India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. Consider the following States (2015)
1. Arunachal Pradesh
2. Himachal Pradesh
3. Mizoram
In which of the above States do ‘Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests’ occur?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
4. In India, in which one of the following types of forests is teak a dominant tree species?
(2015)
(a) Tropical moist deciduous forest
(b) Tropical rainforest
(c) Tropical thorn scrub forest
(d) Temperate forest with grasslands

5. Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen
forest and deciduous forest? (2015)
(a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
(b) South-West Bengal
(c) Southern Saurashtra
(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

6. Consider the following pairs: (2013)

1. Nokrek Bio-sphere Reserve Garo Hills
2. Logtak (Loktak)Lake Barail Range
3. Namdapha National Park Dafla Hills

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Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None

7. Consider the following pairs (2013)

Sl. No. National Park River flowing through the Park
1. Corbett National Park Ganga
2. Kaziranga National Park Manas
3. Silent Valley National Park Kaveri
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) None

8. A particular State in India has the following characteristics: (2012)

1. It is located on the same latitude which passes through northern Rajasthan.
2. It has over 80% of its area under forest cover.
3. Over 12% of the forest over constitutes Protected Area Network in this State.
Which one among the following States has all the above characteristics?
(a) Arunachal Pradesh
(b) Assam
(c) Himachal Pradesh
(d) Uttarakhand

High yielding topics

 Classification of forests
o Evergreen forests – wet evergreen, semi evergreen and dry evergreen
o Deciduous forests – moist deciduous, dry deciduous etc.
o Tropical Thorn Forests
o Montane Forests
o Littoral and Swamp Forests.
 Forest cover in India
o States associated with various forest types
o Tree species associated with forest types

Probable Topics

 Forest conservation
o Social forestry
o Farm forestry
 Wildlife Conservation in India

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o Biosphere Reserves - All Biosphere reserves
 Nilgiri biosphere reserve
 Sunderban biosphere reserve
 Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve
 National Parks
 Wild Life Sanctuaries
 Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Rhino

ANSWER KEY

QUES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

ANS B A C A D A D A

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(TOPIC - 21)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Map Based Questions - 1 (Location, Physiography, Vegetation

and Drainage)

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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2012
Map Based Questions - 1
(Location, Physiography, - - - - 1 2 - - 1 1 2 - -
Vegetation and Drainage)

Overview of the Topic

 Location:
o Important latitude and longitudes,
o Important places in news,
o Important glaciers
 Physiography:
o Hills,
o Rift valleys,
o Plains,
o Plateaus.
 Drainage:
o Rivers and their origin states,
o Important locations along the River channel.
 Vegetation:
o Mapping of various vegetation with their locations,
o Flora and their preferred Ramsar sites/other important sites etc.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Siachen Glacier is situated to the (2020)

(a) East of Aksai chin
(b) East of Leh
(c) North of Gilgit
(d) North of Nubra Valley

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2. Consider the following pairs: (2019)
Sl. No. Famous Place River
1. Pandharpur Chandrabhaga
2. Tiruchirappalli Cauvery
3. Hampi Malaprabha
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

3. Consider the following pairs: (2019)

Sl. No. Glacier River
1. Bandarpunch Yamuna
2. Bara Shigri Chenab
3. Milam Mandakini
4. Siachen Nubra
5. Zemu Manas
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 5 only
(d) 3 and 5 only

4. Consider the following pairs: (2016)

Sl. No. Famous place Region
1. Bodhgaya Baghelkhand
2. Khajuraho Bundelkhand
3. Shirdi Vidarbha
4. Nasik (Nashik) Malwa
5. Tirupati Rayalaseema
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 2 and 5 only
(d) 1, 3, 4 and 5

5. Consider the following pairs: (2015)

Sl. No. Place of Pilgrimage Location
1. Srisailam Nallamala Hills
2. Omkareshwar Satmala Hills
3. Pushkar Mahadeo Hills
Which of the above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only

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(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

6. Consider the following pairs: (2014)

Sl. No. Hills Region
1. Cardamom Hills Coromandel Coast
2. Kaimur Hills Konkan Coast
3. Mahadeo Hills Central India
4. Mikir Hills North-East India
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4

7. Which of the following have coral reefs? (2014)

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
2. Gulf of Kachchh
3. Gulf of Mannar
4. Sunderbans
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

HIGH YIELDING TOPIC

 Location:
o Important latitude and longitudes,
o Important places in news,
o Important glaciers
 Physiography:
o Hills,
o Rift valleys,
o Plains,
o Plateaus.
 Drainage:
o Important locations along the River channel.

PROBABLE TOPIC

 Drainage:
o Rivers, its tributaries and their origin states,

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 Vegetation:
o Flora and their preferred Ramsar sites/other important sites etc.

ANSWER KEY

QUES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

ANSWER D A A C A C A

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(TOPIC - 22)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Map Based Questions - 2 (Infrastructure and People)

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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2012
Map Based Questions - 2
(Infrastructure and - 1 - - - 1 - - 2 - 2 1 -
People)

Overview of the Topic

 Infrastructure
o National highways
 Cities lying on prominent National Highways
 Major Ports lying on major National Highways.
 Tourist Spots lying on major National Highways
o Ports
 Locations of Major Ports and significant Minor Ports.
 States Associated with Major Ports
o Railways
 Location of all Railway Zones
 Prominent Railways stations and their significance
o Dams and Reservoirs
 Prominent projects in news.
 People
o Major Communities associated with particular states
 Tribes
 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

1. Consider the following pairs: (2023)

Sl. No. Port Well known as
1. Kamarajar Port First major port in India registered as a company
2. Mundra Port Largest privately owned port in India
3. Vishakhapatnam Port Largest container port in India
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How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) All three pairs
(d) None of the pairs

2. What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati? (2019)
(a) Recently discovered uranium deposits
(b) Tropical rain forests
(c) Underground cave systems
(d) Water reservoirs

3. Recently, India's first 'National Investment and Manufacturing Zone' was proposed to be set
up in (2016)
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Gujarat
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Uttar Pradesh

4. Recently, which of the following States has explored the possibility of constructing an
artificial inland port to be connected to sea by a long navigational channel? (2016)
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Karnataka
(d) Rajasthan

5. Every year, a month long ecologically important campaign/festival is held during which
certain communities/ tribes plant saplings of fruit-bearing trees. (2014)
Which of the following are such communities/tribes?
(a) Bhutia and Lepcha
(b) Gond and Korku
(c) lrula and Toda
(d) Sahariya and Agariya
6. With reference to 'Changpa' community of India, consider the following statement : (2014)
1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.
3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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7. Consider the following pairs : (2013)

Sl. No. Tribe State

1. Limboo (Limbu) Sikkim
2. Karbi Himachal Pradesh
3. Dongria Kondh Odisha
4. Bonda Tamil Nadu

Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

HIGH YIELDING TOPIC

 Infrastructure Projects recently in news

 Tourist places in news
 Tribes in News especially PVTGs

PROBABLE TOPIC

 National highways
o Cities lying on prominent National Highways
o Major Ports lying on major National Highways.
o Tourist Spots lying on major National Highways
 Ports
o Locations of Major Ports and significant Minor Ports.
o States Associated with Major Ports
 National Highways and prominent cities lying on them
 Railway Zones and matching prominent cities with their respective zones
 Backward Communities in news
 National waterways- Existing, Proposed

ANSWER KEY

QUESTION 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

ANSWER B D A D B B A

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(TOPIC - 23)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Population: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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Population 1 - - - - - - - - - - 1 1

Overview of the Topic

Population: Distribution, Density, Growth and Composition

 Distribution of population:
o States/UTs of large size and large population
o States/UTs of large size but small population
o States/UTs of smaller size but larger population
 Factors of Distribution of Population
o Physical Factors such as Climate, terrain etc
o Socio-economic and Historical factors such as evolution of settled agriculture,
agricultural development, pattern of human settlement, development of transport
network, industrialisation and urbanisation
 Density of Population
o Measures such as physiological density, agricultural density etc.

 Growth of Population
o Growth rate of Population
o Phases of population growth in India
o Regional Variation in Population growth
 Population Composition
o Rural-Urban Composition
o Linguistic Composition
o Religious Composition
o Composition of Working Population
 Demographic transition
 Population control measures

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UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as: (2024)

(a) the number of children born per 1000 people in the population in a year.
(b) the number of children born to a couple in their lifetime in a given population.
(c) the birth rate minus death rate.
(d) the average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-
bearing age

2. To obtain full benefits of demographic dividend, what should India do? (2013)
(a) Promoting skill development
(b) Introducing more social security schemes
(c) Reducing infant mortality rate
(d) Privatization of higher education

3. Consider the following specific stages of demographic transition associated with economic
development: (2012)
1. Low birth rate with low death rate
2. High birth rate with high death rate
3. High birth rate with low death rate
Select the correct order of the above stages using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3
(b) 3, 2, 1
(c) 2, 3, 1
(d) 3, 2, 1

HIGH YIELDING TOPIC

 Demographic transition

PROBABLE TOPIC

 Distribution of population:
o States/UTs of large size and large population
o States/UTs of large size but small population
o States/UTs of smaller size but larger population
 Growth of Population
o Growth rate of Population
o Phases of population growth in India
o Regional Variation in Population growth
 Population Composition
o Rural-Urban Composition
 Population control measures

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ANSWER KEY

QUESTION 1 2 3

ANSWER D A C

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(TOPIC - 24)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Migration Types, Causes and Consequences and Human

Development

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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2015

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2012
Migration Types, Causes
and Consequences and - - - - - 1 1 - - - - - -
Human Development

Overview of the Topic

 Migration
o Streams of Migration
 Emigration
 Immigration
o Spatial variation of migration
o Causes of migration: pull and push factors etc.
o Consequences of migration: economic, demographic etc.
 Human Development in India
o Indicators of Economic Attainments
o Indicators of healthy life
o Indicators of social development
o Human development index in India
o Population, environment and development

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following statements: Human capital formation as a concept is better explained
in terms of a process, which enables (2018)
1. Individuals of a country to accumulate more capital.
2. Increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country.
3. Accumulation of tangible wealth.
4. Accumulation of intangible wealth.

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Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4

2. In the context of any country, which one of the following would be considered as part of its
social capital? (2019)
(a) The proportion of literates in the population
(b) The stock of its buildings, other infrastructure and machines
(c) The size of population in the working age group
(d) The level of mutual trust and harmony in the society

HIGH YIELDING TOPIC

 Human Development in India

o Human development index in India
o Factors comprising Human Development such as Social Capital, Natural Capital etc.

PROBABLE TOPICS

 Migration
o Spatial variation of migration
o Causes of migration: pull and push factors etc.
o Consequences of migration: economic, demographic etc.
 Human Development in India
o Indicators of Economic Attainments
o Indicators of healthy life
o Indicators of social development
o Population, environment and development
o International reports on migration.

ANSWER KEY

QUESTION 1 2

ANSWER C D

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(TOPIC-25)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Human Settlement and Disaster Management

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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Human Settlement and
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Disaster Management

Overview of the topic

 Human Settlements
o Differences between rural settlement and urban settlement
o Types of Rural Settlements
 Clustered Settlements
 Semi-Clustered Settlements
 Hamletted Settlements
 Dispersed Settlements
o Urban Settlements
 Evolution of Towns in India – Ancient, Medieval and Modern towns
o Urbanization in India
 Classification of Towns on the basis of Population Size
 Functional Classification of Towns such as administrative towns and Cities,
Transport Cities, Mining towns, Religious and cultural towns and Tourist
towns.
 Disaster Management
o Disaster Management Administration in India
o Types of Disasters affecting India such as Landslides, floods, cyclones, earthquakes,
etc.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

NIL

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High Yielding Topics

NIL

Probable Topics

 Human Settlements
o Urbanization in India
 Classification of Towns on the basis of Population Size
 Disaster Management
o Disaster Management Administration in India
o Types of Disasters affecting India such as Landslides, floods, cyclones, earthquakes,
etc.

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(TOPIC-26)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Land Resources and Agriculture and Water Resources

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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2017

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2012
Land Resources and
Agriculture and Water 1 1 3 3 7 2 1 - 1 - 1 2 3
Resources

Overview of the topic

Land Resources and Agriculture

 Land Use Categories
 Land-use Changes in India and factors affecting it:
o Size of the economy
o Composition of the economy
o Changes within the economy
 Common Property Resources
 Agricultural Land Use in India
 Cropping Seasons in India
 Types of Farming – dryland and wetland farming
 Food Grains
 Oilseeds
 Fiber Crops
 Other Crops (Sugarcane, Coffee, Tea, etc)
 Agricultural Development in India – Green Revolution
 Growth of Agricultural Output and Technology
 Problems of Indian Agriculture
Water Resources
 Water Resources of India – surface and groundwater
 Water Demand and Utilization
 Demand of Water for Irrigation
 Deterioration of Water Quality
 Water Conservation and Management
o Watershed Management and Rainwater Harvesting

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UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following information: (2024)

Sl. No Waterfall Region River

1. Dhuandhar Malwa Narmada

2. Hundru Chota Nagpur Subarnarekha

3. Gersoppa Western Ghats Netravati

In how many of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

2. Consider the following statements: (2023)

1. India has more arable area than China.
2. The proportion of irrigated area is more in India as compared to China
3. The average productivity per hectare in Indian agriculture is higher than that in
China.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

3. Consider the following pairs:

(2022)
Sl. No Wetland/Lake Location

1. Hokera Wetland Punjab

2. Renuka Wetland Himachal Pradesh

3. Rudrasagar Lake Tripura

4. Sasthamkotta Lake Tamil Nadu

How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs

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4. Consider the following States: (2022)
1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Kerala
3. Himachal Pradesh
4. Tripura
How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing states?
(a) Only one State
(b) Only two States
(c) Only three States
(d) All four States

5. Consider the following pairs: (2022)

Sl. No Reservoir States

1. Ghataprabha Telangana

2. Gandhi Sagar Madhya Pradesh

3. Indira Sagar Andhra Pradesh

4. Maithon Andhra Pradesh

How many pairs given above are not correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs

6. How is permaculture farming different from conventional chemical farming? (2021)

1. Permaculture farming discourages monocultural practices, but in conventional
chemical farming, monoculture practices are predominant.
2. Conventional chemical farming can cause an increase in soil salinity, but the
occurrence of such a phenomenon is not observed in permaculture farming.
3. Conventional chemical farming is easily possible in semi-arid regions, but
permaculture farming is not so easily possible in such regions.
4. The practice of mulching is very important in permaculture farming, but not
necessarily so in conventional chemical farming.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 4 only
(d) 2 and 3

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7. With reference to India, Didwana, Kuchaman, Sargol and Khatu are the names of (2021)
(a) Glaciers
(b) Mangrove Areas
(c) Ramsar Sites
(d) Saline Lakes
8. Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop? (2021)
(a) Sugarcane
(b) Sunflower
(c) Pearl millet
(d) Red gram
9. In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-
friendly agriculture? (2020)
1. Crop diversification
2. Legume intensification
3. Tensiometre use
4. Vertical farming
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
10. What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture? (2020)
1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible
2. Efficient application of rock phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers are
possible.
3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

11. With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, considered the following statements:
(2020)
1. At present, the retail price of chemical fertilizers is market driven and not
administered by the government.
2. Ammonia, which is an input of urea, is produced from natural gas.
3. Sulphur, which is a raw material for phosphoric acid fertilizers, is a byproduct of oil-
refineries.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct below :
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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12. With reference to pulse production in India consider the following Statements? (2020)
1. Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crops.
2. Green gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
3. In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the
production of rabi pulses has decreased.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 only

13. “The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. Requires at least 210 frost
free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well drained soil capable
of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop”. Which one of the
following is that crop? (2020)
(a) Cotton
(b) Jute
(c) Sugarcane
(d) Tea

14. With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India consider the
following statement : (2020)
1. A substantial saving in seed material is made when ‘bud chip settlings’ are raised in
a nursery and transplanted in the main field.
2. When direct planting of setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single
budded setts as compared to setts with many buds.
3. If bad weather conditions prevail when setts are directly planted, single budded setts
have better survival as compared to large setts.
4. Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
15. With reference to the cultivation of Kharif crops in India in the last five years, consider the
following statements: (2019)
1. Area under rice cultivation is the highest.
2. Area under cultivation of jowar is more than that of oilseeds.
3. Area of cotton cultivation is more than that of sugarcane.
4. Area under sugarcane cultivation has steadily decreased.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
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16. Among the following, which one is the largest exporter of rice in the world in the last five
years? (2019)
(a) China
(b) India
(c) Myanmar
(d) Vietnam

17. With reference to the circumstances in Indian agriculture, the concept of “Conservation
Agriculture” assumes significance. Which of the following fall under the Conservation
Agriculture? (2018)
1. Avoiding the monoculture practices
2. Adopting minimum tillage
3. Avoiding the cultivation of plantation crops
4. Using crop residues to cover soil surface
5. Adopting spatial and temporal crop sequencing/crop rotations
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 2, 3, 4 and 5
(c) 2, 4 and 5
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 5

18. Which of the following is/are the advantage/advantages of practicing drip irrigation?
(2016)
1. Reduction in weed
2. Reduction in soil salinity
3. Reduction in soil erosion
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None of the above is an advantage of practicing drip irrigation

19. Consider the following pairs: (2014)

Sl. No. Region Well-known for the production of

1. Kinnaur Areca nut
2. Mewat Mango
3. Coromandel Soya bean

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None

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20. Consider the following crops (2013)
1. Cotton
2. Groundnut
3. Rice
4. Wheat
Which of these are Kharif crops?
(a) 1 and 4
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4

21. Many transplanted seedlings do not grow because (2013)

(a) the new soil does not contain favorable minerals
(b) most of the root hairs grip the new soil too hard
(c) most of the root hairs are lost during transplantation
(d) leaves get damaged during transplantation

22. Which of the following is the chief characteristic of ‘mixed farming’? (2012)
(a) Cultivation of both cash crops and food crops
(b) Cultivation of two or more crops in the same field
(c) Rearing of animals and cultivation of crops together
(d) None of the above.

23. Consider the following crops of India : (2012)

1. Cow pea
2. Green gram
3. Pigeon pea
Which of the above is/are used as pulse, fodder and green manure?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1,2 and 3

24. Consider the following crops of India: (2012)

1. Groundnut
2. Sesamum
3. Pearl millet
Which of the above is/are predominantly rainfed crop/crops?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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High Yielding Topics

Land Resources and Agriculture

 Land-use Changes in India and factors affecting it:
o Size of the economy
o Composition of the economy
o Changes within the economy
 Agricultural Land Use in India
 Cropping Seasons in India
 Types of Farming– dryland and wetland farming
 Food Grains
 Oilseeds
 Fiber Crops
 Other Crops (Sugarcane, Coffee, Tea, etc)
 Agricultural Development in India – Green Revolution

Water Resources
 Water Resources of India – surface and groundwater

Probable Topics

Water Resources
 Water Conservation and Management
o Watershed Management and Rainwater Harvesting
 Irrigation methods

Answer Key

Q. No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Answer A A B D C B D A A C B A A C A

Q. No 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Answer B C C D C C C A D

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(TOPIC-27)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Mineral and Energy Resources

UPSC Previous year question analysis

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2012
Mineral and Energy
- 2 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 1 - 1 1
Resources

Overview of the topic

 Minerals
o Types of Mineral Resources
 Metallic minerals
 Ferrous: Iron Ore, Manganese etc.
 Non-Ferrous: Bauxite, Copper etc.
 Non-Metallic minerals: Mica, etc.
o Distribution of Minerals in India: North-Eastern Plateau region, South-Western
Plateau region, The North-Western Region etc.
o Conservation of Mineral Resources
 Energy Resources
o Conventional Energy Resources: Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas etc.
o Non-Conventional Energy Resources: Nuclear Energy resources, Solar energy, Wind
Energy, Tidal and Wave Energy, Geothermal Energy and Bio-Energy etc.
o Conservation of Energy Resources

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Ilmenite and rutile, abundantly available in certain coastal tracts of India, are rich sources
of which one of the following? (2023)
(a) Aluminium
(b) Copper
(c) Iron
(d) Titanium
2. Consider the following statements: (2023)
Statement-I : India, despite having Uranium deposits, depends on coal for most of its
electricity production.
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Statement-II : Uranium, enriched to the extent of at least 60%, is required for the
production of electricity.
Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct
explanation for Statement-I.
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct
explanation for Statement-I.
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

3. With reference to India, consider the following statements: (2022)

1. Monazite is a source of rare earths.
2. Monazite contains thorium.
3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India.
4. In India, government bodies only can process or export monazite.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

4. Consider the following minerals: (2020)

1. Bentonite
2. Chromite
3. Kyanite
4. Sillimanite
In India which of the above is/are officially designated as major minerals?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

5. Consider the following statements: (2018)

1. In India, State Governments do not have the power to auction non-coal mines.
2. Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand do not have gold mines.
3. Rajasthan has iron ore mines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 3 only
6. In which of the following regions of India are shale gas resources found? (2016)
1. Cambay Basin
2. Cauvery Basin
3. Krishna-Godavari Basin
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Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

7. In India, the steel production industry requires the import of (2015)

(a) saltpetre
(b) rock phosphate
(c) coking coal
(d) All of the above

8. Consider the following statements: (2013)

1. Natural gas occurs in the Gondwana beds.
2. Mica occurs in abundance in Kodarma.
3. Dharwars are famous for petroleum.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) None

9. Despite having large reserves of coal, why does India import millions of tonnes of coal?
(2012)
1. It is the policy of India to save its own coal reserves for future and import it from
other countries for the present use.
2. Most of the power plants in India are coal based and they are not able to get sufficient
supplies of coal from within the country.
3. Steel companies need large quantity of coking coal which has to be imported
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

High Yielding Topics

 Minerals
o Types of Mineral Resources
 Metallic minerals
 Ferrous: Iron Ore, Manganese etc.
 Non-Ferrous: Bauxite, Copper etc.
 Non-Metallic minerals: Mica, etc.
o Distribution of Mineral Resources in India
 Energy Resources

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o Conventional Energy Resources: Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas etc.
o Non-Conventional Energy Resources: Nuclear Energy resources, Solar energy, Wind
Energy, Tidal and Wave Energy, Geothermal Energy and Bio-Energy etc.

Probable Topics

 Conservation of Mineral Resources

 Current affairs related to resources

Answer Key

Q. No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Answer D C B D D D C B B

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(TOPIC-28)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Manufacturing Industries, Transport & Communication,

International Trade

UPSC Previous year question analysis

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012
Manufacturing Industries,
Transport &
- 3 - - - - - - 1 1 2 3 1
Communication,
International Trade

Overview of the topic

Manufacturing Industries

 Importance of Industries
 Factors affecting location of Industries - raw material, market, transport etc.
 Industrial Regions in India
 Agro based Industries
 Mineral based Industries
 Automobile Industries
 Information Technology and Electronics Industry
 Industrial Pollution and Environmental Degradation
 Control of Environmental Degradation

Transport & Communication

 Road Transport
 Rail Transport
 Water Transport
 Air Transport
 Oil and Gas Pipelines
 Communication Networks

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International Trade

 Changing Pattern of the Composition of India’s Exports

 Changing Pattern of the Composition of India’s Imports
 Sea ports as Gateways of International Trade

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following pairs: (2023)

Sl. No. Port Well known as

1. Kamarajar Port First major port in India registered as a company
2. Mundra Port Largest privately owned port in India
3. Visakhapatnam Port Largest container port in India

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) All three pairs
(d) None of the pairs

2. With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements:

(2023)
1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and
Surat.
2. The Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via
Myanmar.
3. Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar
Pradesh with Kunming in China.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

3. With reference to coal-based thermal power plants in India, consider the following
statements: (2023)
1. None of them uses seawater.
2. None of them are set up in water-stressed districts.
3. None of them is privately owned.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
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4. Recently, which of the following States has explored the possibility of constructing an
artificial inland port to be connected to sea by a long navigational channel? (2016)
(a) Andhra Pradesh
(b) Chhattisgarh
(c) Karnataka
(d) Rajasthan

5. In India, the steel production industry requires the import of (2015)

(a) saltpetre
(b) rock phosphate
(c) coking coal
(d) All of the above

6. Consider the following towns of India: (2014)

1. Bhadrachalam
2. Chanderi
3. Kancheepuram
4. Karnal
Which of the above are famous for the production of traditional sarees / fabric?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1, 3 and 4

7. Consider the following pairs: (2014)

Sl. No. National Highway Cities connected

1. NH 4 Chennai and Hyderabad
2. NH 6 Mumbai and Kolkata
3. NH 15 Ahmedabad and Jodhpur

Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None

8. With reference to the usefulness of the by-products of the sugar industry, which of the
following statements is / are correct? (2013)
1. Bagasse can be used as biomass fuel for the generation of energy.
2. Molasses can be used as one of the feedstocks for the production of synthetic
chemical fertilizers.
3. Molasses can be used for the production of ethanol.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
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(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

9. Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal? (2013)

1. High ash content
2. Low sulphur content
3. Low ash fusion temperature
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

10. Which one among the following industries is the maximum consumer of water in India?
(2013)
(a) Engineering
(b) Paper and pulp
(c) Textiles
(d) Thermal power

11. Despite having large reserves of coal, why does India import millions of tonnes of coal?
(2012)
1. It is the policy of India to save its own coal reserves for the future and import it from
other countries for the present use.
2. Most of the power plants in India are coal based and they are not able to get sufficient
supplies of coal from within the country
3. Steel companies need large quantity of coking coal which has to be imported
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

High Yielding Topic

Manufacturing Industries
 Agro based Industries
 Mineral based Industries
Transport & Communication
 Road Transport
 Oil and Gas Pipelines

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International Trade
 Sea ports as Gateways of International Trade

Probable Topics

Manufacturing Industries
 Factors affecting location of Industries- raw material, market, transport, etc.
 Industrial Regions in India

Transport & Communication

 Water Transport
 Rail Transport

Answer Key

Q. No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Answer B D D D C B D C A D B

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(TOPIC-29)
Subject: Geography

Topic: Planning and Sustainable development in Indian context

UPSC Previous year question analysis

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012
Planning and Sustainable
development in Indian - - - - - - - - 1 2 - - -
context

Overview of the topic

 Planning
o Approaches to Planning – Sectoral Planning and Regional Planning.
o Target Area Planning
 Hill Area Development Programme
 Drought Prone Area Planning
 Indira Gandhi Canal Irrigation Programme
 Integrated Tribal Development Programme
 Command Area Development Programme
 Desert Development Programme
 Small Farmers Development Agency
 Marginal Farmers Development Agency

 Planning Commission of India.

 NITI AAYOG
 Sustainable Development
o Concept of Sustainable Development
o Measures for Promotion of Sustainable Development
o Conservation of Mineral Resources

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Consider the following statements: (2016)

1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think
tank called the ‘Club of Rome’.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030.
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Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

2. The Government of India has established NITI Aayog to replace the: (2015)
(a) Human Rights Commission
(b) Finance Commission
(c) Law Commission
(d) Planning Commission

3. Consider the following statements: (2015)

1. The Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme was launched during 1996-97 to
provide loan assistance to poor farmers.
2. The Command Area Development Programme was launched in 1974-75 for the
development of water-use efficiency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

High Yielding Topics

 Planning
o Target Area Planning
 Command Area Development Programme
 Planning Commission of India.
 NITI AAYOG
 Sustainable Development
o Measures for Promotion of Sustainable Development

Probable Topics

 Integrated Tribal Development Programme

 Sustainable Development
o Concept of Sustainable Development
 Bharat Nirman, MGNREGA

Answer Key

Q. No 1 2 3

Answer B D B

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Subject: Geography

Topic: Miscellaneous

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. About three-fourth of world’s Cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for
electric motor vehicles, is produced by (2023)
(a) Argentina
(b) Botswana
(c) The Democratic Republic of the Congo
(d) Kazakhstan
2. With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements:
(2021)
1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of
groundwater.
2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of
groundwater.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
3. With reference to 'palm oil' consider the following statements: (2021)
1. The palm oil tree is native to Southeast Asia.
2. Palm oil is a raw material for some industries producing lipstick and perfumes.
3. Palm oil can be used to produce biodiesel.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
4. What are the advantages of fertigation in agriculture? (2020)
1. Controlling the alkalinity of irrigation water is possible.
2. Efficient application of Rock phosphate and all other phosphatic fertilizers is
possible.
3. Increased availability of nutrients to plants is possible.
4. Reduction in the leaching of chemical nutrients is possible.
Select the correct answer given below using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
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5. Which of the following groups of plants was domesticated in the ‘New World’ and introduced
into the ‘Old World? (2019)
(a) Tobacco, cocoa and rubber
(b) Tobacco, cotton and rubber
(c) Cotton, coffee and sugarcane
(d) Rubber, coffee and wheat

6. Many transplanted seedlings do not grow because (2013)

(a) the new soil does not contain favourable minerals
(b) most of the root hairs grip the new soil too hard
(c) most of the root hairs are lost during transplantation
(d) leaves get damaged during transplantation

7. Recently there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called rare
earth metals. Why? (2012)
1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions
on their export.
2. Other than China, Australia, Canada, Chile, these elements are not found in any
country.
3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic
items and there is growing demand for these elements.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

8. Electrically charged particles from space travelling at speeds of several hundred km/sec can
severely harm living beings if they reach the surface of the earth. What prevents them from
reaching the surface of the earth? (2012)
(a) The Earth's magnetic field diverts them toward its poles.
(b) Ozone layer around the Earth reflects them back to outer space
(c) Moisture in the upper layers of the atmosphere prevents them from reaching the
surface of the Earth.
(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) is correct.

Answer Key

Q. No 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Answer C B B C A C C A

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